As September draws to an end, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that comes over time. Unfortunately, it’s a curse in a business that depends on week-to-week success. As of this writing, the New York Jets are still searching for their first win in the Aaron Glenn regime. Despite a gritty fourth-quarter comeback, quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed New York their third loss of the year. Without starting quarterback Justin Fields, backup Tyrod Taylor performed admirably in his absence. Alas, the loss came at an even greater cost. While dealing with multiple injuries, the Jets were handed a brutal blow, losing valued linebacker Quincy Williams to a shoulder injury. An intricate part of the defense, the veteran linebacker’s presence will be missed as defensive coordinator Steve Wilks looks for answers on defense.
The other side of this: #Jets LB Quincy Williams is expected to miss time because of the shoulder injury he suffered Sunday, per source. Not season-ending, but he’ll be down for a while. https://t.co/YlZocfBlFc
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2025
Shoulder Injury Puts Jets Star Linebacker on IR
Despite the optimism that came from a new regime, the Jets are still struggling for wins. Now in a 0-3 hole, the Jets are stuck at the bottom of the division next to the Miami Dolphins. Like New York, Miami is also winless thus far, before the two teams face off this Monday night. In addition, both teams have also lost to the undefeated Buffalo Bills already. It’s a must-win game for New York to have any shot at salvaging the first month of the season. However, they will be outnumbered as quarterback Justin Fields is still in concussion protocol.
Along with Fields, star edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II is dealing with an ankle injury. Additionally, the bad news rolled in after Sunday’s loss, after star linebacker Quincy Williams hurt his shoulder mid-game. Two days later, the injury will force Williams to be placed on IR, keeping him out for four games.
Quincy Williams Out At Least Four Games
Losing a linebacker like Quincy Williams is never easy. After arriving in New York in 2021, the brother of star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams acclimated himself well in New York. Reunited with his brother, Williams was an important factor in former head coach Robert Saleh’s defenses. Since arriving in New York, Williams has finished with at least 106 total tackles, including at least 73 solo tackles. Additionally, Williams has averaged at least two sacks a season. While it’s great that Williams season isn’t over, his presence will be missed on defense.
Who will replace Quincy Williams during his absence?
When looking at the schedule, the New York Jets will return to MetLife Stadium after Monday’s game to face the Dallas Cowboys in the first game of October. Afterwards, they will travel to London to face the Denver Broncos before facing the Carolina Panthers back home in New Jersey. The following week, they will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. With Williams missing time, expect a larger role for Jamien Sherwood in his absence as well.
Under normal circumstances, Quincy Williams snaps would be taken by backup linebacker Marcellino McCrary-Ball. However, McCrary-Ball is also monitoring a hamstring injury he suffered. Recently, comments made by Aaron Glenn determined that the injury wouldn’t be significant. In addition, this opens the door for fifth-round pick Kiko Mauigoa to get snaps. In a corresponding move, New York signed linebacker Mark Robinson from the New England Patriots practice squad.
Main Photo: [Kim Klement Neitzel] – Imagn Images
The post Shoulder Injury Puts Jets Star Linebacker on IR appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.